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Tips
On Using an Interpreter
Working with a sign language interpreter is unfamiliar for many people.
It can be helpful to know what to expect from this new situation so
the interaction can be smooth and comfortable.
The interpreter will help arrange the situation so that it is conducive
for interpreting. The interpreter will know where they will need to
place themselves so that the Deaf individual(s) can see both the interpreter
and the other participants. Also, the interpreter may have suggestions
regarding lighting so that the interpretation and the Deaf consumer(s)
signing are visible.
Participants can communicate directly with each other. It is not necessary
to add "tell him" or "ask her" to the message. The
interpreter will communicate the message in first person, such as saying
"I plan to be there" rather than "He says he plans to
be there." Consumers are encouraged to look at each other, rather
than the interpreter, when they are sharing their message.
Everyone involved is encouraged to communicate in his or her typical
style. If the interpreter needs to clarify the message or requires more
time for the interpretation, he or she will let the consumers know.
When possible, it is helpful for participants to hold their questions
and comments to the interpreter for before or after the meeting. The
interaction can easily become confused if the interpreter is communicating
both as his or herself and as the consumers.
Participants should expect that when they are speaking to a Deaf person,
the Deaf person will look at the interpreter so they can understand
the message. Furthermore, a Deaf person will only be able to look at
the interpretation or another visual. This means that if Deaf individuals
are going to fully benefit from a demonstration, text or graphic which
is also explained verbally, the explanation and the visual must be presented
one at a time.
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional
Conduct requires ALL interpreters to keep all the information they learn
while interpreting confidential. (Click
here for the RID Code of Professional Conduct). Furthermore, they
are not to become involved in the situation for which they are interpreting
by offering advice or adding or omitting information to the message.
The interpreter may request information about the situation in advance,
such as a speech outline or meeting agenda. This information will help
the interpreter prepare for his or her interpretation by become acquainted
with the information or learning about unfamiliar jargon.
With all this information, do not be daunted by working with an interpreter!
The interpreter will be there to help everyone become accustomed to
the process towards the goal both the interpreter and the participants
share: smooth communication.
To
maximize the effectiveness when working with an interpreter, here are
some tips you can use:
Meet
with the interpreter beforehand
-
Clarify unique vocabulary, technical terms, acronyms, jargon, seating
arrangements, lighting and other needs.
-
Provide interpreter with any written materials ahead of time. If
there are any written materials to be given to the Deaf Consumer(s),
give copies to the interpreters in advance so they will be able
to review vocabulary and get familiar with what will be used as
they will be unable to look at the hand out and interpret at the
same time.
Reserve
seats for the deaf or hard of hearing participants
-
Provide a clear view of the speaker and interpreter.
-
Deaf or hard of hearing participants may still choose to sit elsewhere.
-
Interpreter
should be in the consumer's sight line (This allows deaf or hard
of hearing participants to pick up visual cues and the expressions
of the speaker.)
-
In small group discussions, consider using a circle or semicircle
seating arrangement instead of a theater style arrangement.
Be
aware of lighting
-
Provide good lighting so the interpreter can be seen.
If lights will be turned off or dimmed, be sure the interpreter
can still be seen clearly (use spotlight or small lamp to direct
light toward the interpreter).
Talk
directly to the deaf or hard of hearing person
-
Maintain eye contact with the deaf or hard of hearing person.
- Avoid
directing comments to the interpreter (i.e. "Tell him..."
or "Ask her..."), respond directly to the deaf or hard
of hearing person.
Speak
naturally
- Speak
at your normal pace. Interpreters will ask you to slow down or repeat
if necessary.
- Interpreters
listen for concepts and ideas, not just words, to render an accurate
interpretation.
Avoid
private conversations everything will be interpreted
-
Whatever the interpreter hears will be interpreted.
- Do
not ask the interpreter to censor any portion of the conversation.
-
Ask the deaf or hard of hearing person directly if they are following
the conversation.
One
person should speak at a time
-
An interpreter can only accommodate one speaker at a time. Encourage
the group to follow this rule.
- If
you are facilitating a group discussion, be aware that the interpreter
will be several seconds behind.
- Pause
before recognizing the next speaker to allow the interpreter to
finish with the current speaker.
Avoid
asking the interpreter for opinions or comments regarding the content
of the meeting
-
Interpreters follow a code of ethics which requires impartiality
and confidentiality with all assignment related information.
- Do
not assume the interpreter has prior knowledge of the deaf person
or will be interpreting future appointments.
Provide
a short break every hour
-
Interpreting is mentally and physically taxing.
-
Do not expect the interpreter to interpret during these breaks.
Team
Interpreters
-
Longer assignments (1 1/2 hours or more) such as, workshops, lectures,
conferences, training sessions, stage productions, etc. with continuous
interpreting will require the use of a team of two interpreters.
- The
teaming allows the interpreters to switch between primary and secondary
roles every 15-20 minutes.
- This
helps avoid physical damage to the interpreters, such as, carpal
tunnel or repetative motion injury and reduces mental fatigue which
causes degradation of the interpreted message.
Payment
-
Payment for interpreting services is the responsibility of the office,
company or organization needing to make their services accessible
to the Deaf consumer.
- For
more information on this topic go to the Do I
Have To Use An Interpreter? section regarding accessibility
and interpreters.
Relax
- Using
an interpreter is not meant to be difficult or overwhelming!
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